Journalists Feel Tug of Public Service as Obama Takes Office

Journalists from Time magazine and the ABC television network took government jobs ahead of Obama's inauguration and more may follow. With their knowledge of the inner workings of the Capitol, reporters can be an attractive hire for incoming department chiefs, said Ellen Shearer, a journalism professor. "These can be good jobs for reporters," said Shearer, who teaches at Northwestern University's Washington program. "They get to view the government from a different perspective and can make contacts that are helpful later on." A slump in the newspaper industry makes positions in the new administration even more desirable.